Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Structures & Mechanisms, Optimus - Palo Alto [222716]

$108,000 - $264,000 yearly

Job Description

Join the Tesla Optimus team and help build the future of general-purpose robotics. We are developing a highly capable, safe, and scalable humanoid robot designed to perform useful tasks in factories, homes, and beyond—leveraging Tesla’s expertise in AI, product design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our mission is to create a robot that can understand and interact with the real world at a level that transforms everyday life and unlocks new possibilities for humanity.

The Structures and Mechanisms team designs the robot’s skeleton and joints. We focus on creating lightweight, durable, and highly integrated mechanical designs that enable exceptional performance while remaining optimized for manufacturability, cost, and long-term reliability at massive scale.

The Role

  • Design and optimize joints and structures for mass, stiffness, durability, cost, and high-volume manufacturability
  • Conceptualize and develop novel mechanisms that perform reliably across dynamic joints and complex motion profiles
  • Perform load calculations and stress analysis to dictate sizing of bearings, linkages, and fastened joints
  • Integrate actuators, sensors, electronics, and wiring into compact, space-efficient mechanical packages that support fast assembly, maintenance, and serviceability
  • Apply analytical methods—including hand calculations, finite element analysis, and multi-body simulations—to drive design decisions and performance optimization
  • Conduct tolerance analyses and backlash studies to ensure robust assembly performance and long-term reliability
  • Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate on designs, taking concepts from initial idea through to volume production
  • Collaborate with suppliers to deliver parts and assemblies that meet specifications, quality standards, and aggressive program timelines
  • Define component specifications and develop accelerated test plans to validate designs against lifetime and durability requirements
Anthony Antonucci

Qualifications

Relevant experience in Tesla AI; strong problem-solving skills; commitment to Tesla mission.

Immediate Fill

No